asked the Minister for the Environment if he is aware of the serious pollution of the River Boyne which is causing a health hazard and also endangering the livelihood of the Boyne fishermen as the main source of the pollution is domestic sewerage from Drogheda, East Meath and East Louth; if he agrees that the provision of a sewerage treatment plant is essential; the discussions that have taken place with the local authorities concerned about this serious problem; the steps his Department propose to take in the short term and in the long term; and if he will use his good offices to resolve this matter.
Written Answers . - River Boyne Pollution .
629.
: A feasibility report submitted by Drogheda Corporation in respect of improved sewerage arrangements was approved by my Department in April 1981 subject to consideration being given to the provision of a treatment works as an alternative to the arrangements envisaged in the report. Subsequently a preliminary report providing for an interceptor sewer and temporary outfall to the Boyne estuary was approved. Work is at present in progress on an advance section of the sewer and on soil testing and there has been discussion in the normal way between my Department's inspector and the local authority's engineers on technical aspects of the proposals; these developments are, of course, without prejudice to the determination of the final form of such proposals by the local authority and to my decision on such proposals as may be submitted.
I am aware of allegations of contamination of mussel beds by sewage effluent in the Boyne estuary and I am arranging to have this aspect fully considered by the local authority in the development of their detailed proposals, the submission of which is awaited.